Nasim Hashemi

• Developed a CFD model to evaluate the removal rate and reaction behavior of dissolved CO2 within the single-use bioreactors. The model was verified using CHO cell culture processes for two products in 200-L and 2,000-L. • Conducted a systematic evaluation of engineering parameters to provide a reliable approach for scaling-up single-use bioreactors based on constant CO2 stripping rate across different scales. • Developed a CFD model to predict DO-kLa of the single-use bioreactors under different operating conditions including flooding, loading and complete dispersion gas flow patterns. • Designed a new impeller to increase top-to-bottom mixing with manageable shear, gas dispersion, and mass transfer rates (O2 and CO2) in animal cell culture within single-use bioreactors equipped with a bottom mounted magnetic driven impeller. • Executed bioreactor experiments with the goal of developing robust, scalable, and high productivity processes for animal cell culture. • Conducted design of experiments for analyzing data from single-use bioreactors, process verification & validation. • Interpreted the experimental and numerical data and developed technical records. • Acted as a technical resource within the project team.

• Developed a novel bioreactor equipped with coaxial mixer to reduce cell damage caused by shear forces. • Conducted hydrodynamic analysis of a novel aerated bioreactor/fermenter equipped with coaxial mixer via CFD and ERT and optimize operating parameters of aerated coaxial tank to enhance productivity through high cell density culture. • Optimized medium and culture parameters. • Explored effect of different operating parameters on performance metrics such as mixing time, gas holdup, power consumption, reaction behavior for high cell density culture, and bubble size distributions. • Created useful CFD model to study effects of operating parameters on fluid flow, turbulent kinetic energy, and turbulent dissipation rate formed within aerated coaxial vessel. • Scaled up fermenter from 50L to 120L bioreactor. • Applied DOE to identify high impact variables and optimized process runs and recorded findings. • Clarified local bubble size distribution, bubble breakup, and coalescence through Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) coupled with Population Balance Model (PBM).

• Set-up experimental configurations for biomass gasification and anaerobic fermentation. • Designed and optimized biomass conversion technologies including gasifier and fermenters. • Developed and optimized all processes, collected and analyzed data. • Established and conducted SOP's for bioreactor equipment, laboratory procedures and bioreactor runs. • Conducted design of experiments (DOE), and evaluated scale-up parameters.

• Comprehensive Plan of Energy Optimization in Oil & Gas Upstream  Masterminded comprehensive plan of energy optimization for oil & gas upstream sector.  Supervised, mentored, and motivated seven process engineers in researching strategies and methods for energy recovery at Faraz Firoozkooh Cement Plant.  Led development of PFDs, P&IDs, materials selection diagrams, utility flow diagrams, mass and energy balances, and HAZOP studies to directly support and advance research efforts.  Coordinated detailed design and engineering resources to implement front-end loading.  Calculated overall plant-wide mass & energy balances to determine yield and quantify losses.  Leveraged HYSYS software to evaluate feasibility of suggested process improvements;  Performed economic evaluations of alternate processing methods to determine cost-effectiveness.  Authored new SOPs and provided associated training to technicians and operators to ensure rigorous safety compliance and quality control.  Compiled pump & compressor design based on strict ASME standards and guidelines.

• Process Simulation and Economic Analysis of Bioethanol Production Processes using Agricultural Waste Biomass  To compare the performance and production cost of saline extractive distillation columns with the traditional ones in order to achieve high ethanol concentration and yield;  To develop a new Gibbs energy equation to model a distillation tower for production of pure ethanol;  To propose a steady-state equilibrium-stage model based on MESH equations, and to validate the suggested model using MATLAB;  To optimize a dehydration process for ethanol using MATLAB;  To simulate the bioethanol production process using ASPEN PLUS.

• Oil Recovery Improvement using CO2 injection  To investigate the possibility of using CO2 as injection gas for enhanced oil recovery and estimate the potential of additional oil recovery from mature oil fields located in the south of Iran.

Dissertation: “Analysis of Gas-Liquid Flow in an Aerated Reactor Equipped with a Coaxial Mixer through Tomography and CFD”

Dissertation: ” Process Simulation and Economic Analysis of Bioethanol Production Processes using Agricultural Wastes”

Dissertation: “Oil Recovery Improvement using CO2 Injection”